Question for Members

[webmaster]

One of the most challenging things about moderating this forum is trying to keep it focused on the Lakes Region. I always have tried to discourage posts about national politics, sports, religion and similar topics that can be found on hundreds of other forums. In most cases I've quickly removed those posts.

My goal in starting this site 15 years ago was to create a place that was fully dedicated to the lake. In the 12 years operating this forum I've always thought that it was great to escape to a forum where everyone was just talking about the lake. I thought that most of you agreed but now I'm not so sure. Recently even long-time members have been posting about things that have nothing to do with the lake.

A few times in the past I've asked the question "Should there be an area of this forum where you can discuss topics unrelated to the lake?" The answer was always NO. It is time to ask it again. Now almost every day I'm forced to remove threads that violate our "lake only" policy.

I've actually had an area set up since I first installed this forum software in 2004. It's just not activated. You can see how it would look below.

So I'm asking for some input from our members. Do you want to post on other topics on this forum? There are some advantages to that and certainly a downside. As I learned from the Speed Limit bickering it is impossible to contain contentious debates to one area. Nasty exchanges in one area affect other areas. Arguments and bickering in one area creates the impression that the entire forum is nasty. Would members be able to argue and disagree on politics or healthcare in one area while being friendly and helpful in another?

Your comments are welcome.

[Pepper]

I'm embarrassed to admit that I am guilty of posting a topic that required removal, and tremendously grateful that it has been removed! Your concerns are absolutely well-founded, as it would be very difficult to keep emotions in check from one side of the forum to the other. Lately it seems we have trouble behaving even in the most innocuous of threads, as evidenced by the Girl Scout Cookie topic! :eek:

Please don't make any changes! And thanks for keeping me out of trouble! :D

[RI Swamp Yankee]

I still think of this forum as a place to discuss The Lake ..... however .... I, like many others ;) , tend to wander :offtopic: .

Perhaps "containment" is inevitable.

[Redwing]

Please keep the forum Lakes Region-centric. And profound thanks to you for keeping this engine going...despite encountering some bumps along the way. Your selfless time and efforts are greatly appreciated! :rolleye2:

[Heaven]

I think local on-line history has proven that lightly moderated forums do not survive, and that forums that are open to the subjects you have avoided self-destruct over time. I say, keep it the way it is. And, thank you ~

[mbhoward]

Please keep things as they are. There are plenty of other areas on the internet where people can vent about topics they think and feel strongly about. There is no need to add another spot here. I much prefer the tight focus on the Lake. There is no other place like this that I know about where so much good information & discussion can be found dedicated to Lake Winnipesaukee.

The only addition I would consider is a forum dedicated to Lakes Region businesses. Placing discussions for local businesses that serve, for better and sometimes worse, in a dedicated forum may help keep things a little better organized rather than dumping all those discussions in the General area.

My 2c...thanks for asking.

Mark

[Jonas Pilot]

There are plenty of other sites to go to if someone wants to disagree with somebody else. I don't come here for that nor do I enjoy it when someone tries to stick their political opinions in Winnipesaukee.com.

[SAMIAM]

Politics always gets people fired up but I think it should be allowed as long as it is in regard to local politics only and kept respectful........reasonable people can disagree as long as it doesn't get ugly

[Diana]

Please keep it just the way it is. There is more than enough controversy as it is. THANKS.

[Newbiesaukee]

There are lots of places to argue these other issues on the internet but only one Winni Forum.

We appreciate the effort you have put into the Forum and adding to your work by monitoring the non-Lake issues is beyond the call of duty.

At least on this issue, let's be conservative and keep things the way they are.

[Newbiesaukee]

It is amazing to see the almost unanimity of opinion in the last 10 minutes of comments. It almost seems as if they were written by the same person.:):)

[baygo]

I too attempted to create an online community with a local focus about 15 years ago. I spent more time deleting content submitted from people around the globe than I did reviewing local related content. I gave in about 5 years into the development and changed to a global welcome.

Today I look back and believe I made the right call. You have taken your original vision farther than I took mine so I think your decision is a more difficult one. One eliminate that may help is the fact that your goggle advertising base is not strictly local. I think if you are going to open you sponsorship to the globe, you are likely to serve them better by opening your forums. Spacing them as you do above should be sufficient to protect your local longtime members.

Thanks for asking.

[Pepper]

It is amazing to see the almost unanimity of opinion in the last 10 minutes of comments. It almost seems as if they were written by the same person.:):)

One big happy Forum Family! ;)

[beagle]

That about says it all! I appreciate all the time you spend to make this a great forum.
Thanks!
beagle

[Electric man]

Please keep it as it is.
You are doing a fine job, keep it up.

[This'nThat]

So far, you've got more than a dozen "keep it as it is" replies, from junior and senior forum members, join dates 2002 to 2009.....
and I agree.

[Resident 2B]

Please keep it as it is. Opening it up will only be a lot more work for you with very little benefit to the Lakes region.

Thanks for all you do and how you do it!!!

R2B

[Just Sold]

Don, Keep things they way they are.

[Lakegeezer]

Another vote to keep things the way they are. Local politics first, state politics where it impacts the lakes region. Keep the foolishness that passes for national politics out of here unless it really impacts the region, such as if Romney runs and keeps his Wolfeboro home.

[robmac]

Don,my vote is to leave it the way it is. There are many other sites to view and correspond on other issues. You have always done a fantastic job moderating this site and I for one have really enjoyed participating on it. I have a question,do you need more headaches expanding it away from the lake? Well I hope not,keep up the great work and thanks for the work you do.

[Irish mist]

Politics are always going to creep into the forum, and most of us have been guilty of that behavior at one time or another. Since most of us know this is not the place for such behavior we pull our punches, or at least we try to. If you do a politics forum it will take away any restraint that the members have, and you will find yourself spending more time than you want, or should, policing the site.

In my opinion you can never get rid of these elements in a forum like this, nor should you really try, but by sticking to your mission statement you can keep those kinds of ideas at a low level.

[Nagigator]

The most refresing thing about the Winni Forum is that its just that. A forum for and about this wonderful region. I like it just the way it is. Thanks to the webmaster, and please don't change!:)

[DBA]

Dear Don,
You unselfishly host, monitor, and guard us from one another. I would hate to think of the increase of your time if you have not cloned yourself. I vote to keep this site about the lake.
And thank you for all you do...
DBA

[Phantom]

Don. another vote to keep it "as is"..............

I like you (I presume) do not permantly reside in the Lakes Region..... the only reason I frequent (and perhaps too often, lol) is to find out "Real News" and reviews in the area my wife and I love most.

.
.
.
.

[hazelnut]

Agreed, Keep it as is... I'd end up getting in WAY too much trouble. :laugh:

[Sunbeam lodge]

Keep it as is.

[Silver Duck]

Hi Don

I'm very happy with the forum just the way it is. Please don't change!

Silver Duck

[DRH]

Seems pretty much unanimous, Don. We value and appreciate the Forum the way you've always run it. There are plenty of other sites where folks can argue politics, etc. Let's keep this one about the lake.

[Islander2]

I know when I come to this forum, I can read about the lake, without the BS on other forums. Keep it the way it is, even with the sometimes staying threads, it is still a mostly forum about "THE LAKE", and that is what is best about it!!!

[RLW]

Seems pretty much unanimous, Don. We value and appreciate the Forum the way you've always run it. There are plenty of other sites where folks can argue politics, etc. Let's keep this one about the lake.

I second the above by DRH:)

[ishoot308]

Like it says above, As Is!

Thanks Don!

[riverat]

Don, I think you have a great community growing here and i am sure it is a handfull for you, please just focus on this great forum. I visit here over and over all day and I can say it is perfect just the way it is.:D

[Formula]

Keep it the way it is!

[trfour]

I've was a fan before I joined this wonderful website in 2002.

Don is some kind of Saint and doing an extraordinary job! Increably fair, and there is already more than enough wiggle room built into the forum.

Keep up the great work!!


Terry
_________________________

[NoBozo]

I am a Political Junky and I care deeply about what is going on in our country today. Most days my head is ready to Explode with what I see in the news.....BUT....I like to come here to get away from THAT...just a little respit..... :look: NB

[NoRegrets]

WOW! Great testamony from all to keep it like it is. You have done a great job. I also enjoy the current format. I like to have fewer changes in something I am comfortable with but would not be turned of by any changes. Thank you for asking us.

[Slickcraft]

After all, It is the Winnipesaukee Forum.
Keep up the good work Don

[NightWing]

I have been a Super Moderator for 9 years on an automotive board that is also based on the vBulletin format. We have many automotive subjects broken down by topic and the technical threads are second to none.

However, we also have an Off-Topic section that is absolutely a sandbox of verbal cat litter at times. As often as we have to say no politics, no religious views, no nasty arguments, no name calling... the list goes on. Invariably, someone posts an article from some extremist political journal and it takes off from there. We have members who have NEVER posted anything automotive, but openly declare their purpose is to rile things up. In truth, the Off-Topic forum is the most active, but its intent and purpose is often ignored and it needs constant moderation.

That being said, I believe you have a different type of poster here, but my opinion is to not open that Pandora's Box, but leave it alone. As previously said, if you want to rant, there are places to go that accept it.

[Island Girl]

I like the forum focus on the lake. As others have said, there are plenty of places to rant about other topics.

Here is our safe haven from all that outside stuff. You do an amazing job keeping it together.

Thanks for all that you do to give us a unique focused place to be.
IG

[Webbsatwinni]

My vote is to keep it as is.

[eillac@dow]

Don,

I don't think I realize how much you really do.

For all that I know and don't know, (but sure I will learn). I thank you. My Mom turned me onto this forum a while ago, and now, I am hooked.

Before work some days, I check in.....during lunch hour....I check in...before bed.....I check in. Just a great way of finding out what is going on.

Did I really have an interest in Ice in and Ice Out? Did I know where the Barber's pole was? No, not before I became a member of this forum. I am 44 years old, family has been here before I was born. Yet, I never knew these things. Only thanks to the forum...I know now.

Keep it the way it is......for those that want other topics I know there are other places to find em'!

Nice job Don. Thank you.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Don,
Keep it as is. And I hope you ask this question again when we stray off of what we all enjoy so much.

[Pineedles]

Don,

I feel I must voice opposiiton to the status quo despite some of my friends opinions and go against the tide. I do feel that despite the wonderful job you are doing, that there have been issues that have been shoved under the carpet in the interst of harmony that have and will very deeply affect the folks who love the Lake for all it offers. I appreciate you giving us a forum to openly discuss "what we want", however in the end it is your web site, and what is best for you is really the only course that should be taken.

Respectfully,

Pineedles

[Ropetow]

My vote is to keep things the way they are, Don. And thank you very much for this gift called the Forum.

[jrc]

Please no politics. I could live with sports.

[Janet]

Please keep it the way it is. The forum and webcams are my retreat from the worries of being among the unemployed.

Thanks Don for all you do.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

My vote would be to keep it as is too.

Are you surprised by this result Don?

Thanks for providing this lake related playground.

[Senter Cove Guy]

I really carefully choose the threads I read and I shy away from those that generate controversy. I frequent this website to "get away from it all" and, as I always tell people, the lake is my "escape place". There are plenty of other places to go to get news of the day but there's only one place to find out all about what's going on at my favorite place. Let's keep this forum all about the lake.

[corollaman]

Keep it as it is. No Politics, religion, etc. I agree, this should be somewhere where we can escape the everyday bull and just talk about the Lakes Region.:D

[SteveA]

"if it ain't broke, don't fix it" :rolleye2:

Plenty of places for all the "other stuff".

[joey2665]

For the most part I find this forum to be a source of relaxation, recreation and abundant information on my familys favorate place in the world to escape for reality (with the exception of the speed limit issue, haha). Please dont change a thing there are plenty of other places to go for sports, politics and current events. Thanks for all you do for the site.

[Blue Thunder]

Another vote for "steady as she goes....."

BT

[TOAD]

Maintain current course as speed...steady as you go...Aye, Aye Sir.

As the current helmsman for this forum you have done a great job.

Politics will seep into most any discussion. As long as it is within reason, and you seem to have it under control why change a winning strategy.

[Bear Island South]

"if it ain't broke, don't fix it" :rolleye2:

Plenty of places for all the "other stuff".

Agree 100%
keep it the same

[chipj29]

I am not as connected to the lake as many of you are, but I am still trying to be. I vacation there, but not as often as I would like to. With that said, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the lake and the surrounding areas from this forum. I would like that to not change. I belong to other forums, and you are correct when you say that subjects from the "Off-Topic" forums such as politics and sports spill into the main forum, and definately clutter things up.

My vote is to keep things as they are.

[wuwu]

I like it the way it is! Thanks:)

[fpartri497]

leave It like It Is. It aint broke, so dont fix It Please



:D

[Steveo]

AS IS

Thanks Don

I would not make it through the winter without my Forum Fix

[jmen24]

Don, I think you are a very patient man, thank you for that.

As much a I agree with Pineedles about "things" being kept under the rug, it is truely in the best interest of the site, as much as it impacts the area, NOTHING is accomplished in those discussions, except who's side your on.

IMO, local political discussions are far worse than state or national, just that the teams are smaller.

Keep it the way it is, and do not open the bag of snakes mentioned above.

[LakeSnake]

09876543210

[Argie's Wife]

I really like the variety of subjects we have here... please keep it the same.

And many thanks for all you do to keep this place running! :)

[ghfromaltonbay]

Thanks for all you do, Don. Please keep the Forum as it has been. I find it a great way to keep in touch with my 2nd home while sitting here 300 miles away in NJ.

[webmaster]

Wow, I'm overwhelmed by your replies. I'm so glad that most of you feel the same as I do.

There will be no changes but I have to ask once in a while. Now when someone complains that an unrelated topic was removed I can just direct them to this thread. :coolsm:

Thanks again for all the valuable feedback!

[Merrymeeting]

Don,

Thanks on at least 2 fronts,

1) As a moderator of another website, I know how hard it can be to decide on and enforce these types of rules. You are a master, in many ways.

2) Thanks for the reminder. I had just finished posting a rant in response to a thread here. The rant probably would have spun into one of the areas you mention we should avoid. Then I saw this note. I agree. So I deleted it. There's plenty of other places to go if folks want to rant.

Keep it as it is.

[LIforrelaxin]

Don,

Like many I agree that for the most part the forum part of the website should remain as it is. Adding the additional content will draw away from what we all want to focus on here which is the lake.

On the other side of things there are issues which have been brought up on the forum and for various reasons have had to be locked down. While I understand your reasoning behind this. I believe ultimately some further control other then locking a topic needs to be looked at. Those that are willing to discuss topics that have a deep impact on the lake should not be punished and not allowed to discuss issue that can deeply impact the economy and environment. The uniqueness of this forum is that we all care about the lake, we all for the most part are able to discuss things and learn from each other. It is the fanatics that come in out of no where to hi jack particular discussion, and those particular discussions only that need to be controlled.

Anyways enough is enough....

Thank you for the hard work you put into making this site a reality.....

[upthesaukee]

Don: the old saying about if it aint broke, don't fix it applies here.

You have made many improvements over the years that I have been a member, but always to the betterment of this great forum and its ties to the lake, and the lakes region. At exciting times of life, you have graciously allowed us some latitude like in 2004 and the Red Sox, with a gentle reminder that the thread will be closed if it gets out of hand.

So again, for all you do, this Bud's for you...Heck let's splurge and make it a Guinness :cheers:

[SIKSUKR]

It's very hard for me not to get caught up and add my 2 cents to a thread while still knowing I'm out of bounds. Having said that, you should do exactly what you think is best for this forum since it is your creation. Carry on Don!

[Tired of Waiting]

Don,

My feeling is to keep is as is. The old saying "if it ain't broke why fix it."

In the past you have given the members just enough latitude to converse about issues outside the lakes region. Sports and some politics. Issues that do effect the lakes region. But a tight hold on the issue to keep it civil was used.

You and the moderators have done a fine job and the site has been a pleasure to visit. although I have not used it as much as in the past.:( I have had to "lurk" over the last couple years.

Keep it the same.

ToW

[Tallyho]

Please keep the forum concerned with lake issues, and history of the area.

[jeffk]

I, like many others have stated, follow politics and other interests but those discussions can be contentious at best. Those discussions can lead to bruised feelings. Most of the topics here are information sharing and I appreciate that difference. There have been a few heated debates but they had solid links to the lakes region and in that context I don't think they should be shyed away from. I think you (Don) have done an outstanding job in allowing these debates to play themselves out as respectfully as possible. I recognize that is a tough job and respect and appreciate the work you do to provide this forum for us. Thanks Don.

[CrawfordCentury]

Regardless of the merits of a politics forum (there are merits as well as drawbacks) instituting one would increase the moderator's workload significantly.

I belong to a forest industry forum that recently closed its politics forum because of the trouble it caused. In the case of the group here, I'd expect a better level of civility (i.e., fewer posts castigating Nobama/Nancy Pelousy or equating GWB to a trained monkey). Still, tempers can flare and it ain't none too easy to unring a bell.

Funny that the Girl Scout cookies thread was mentioned. I remember someone posted inside of that thread that it was off-topic. Didn't quite understand how it was irrelevant to life in the LR. I'm pretty new to the forum but have spent my whole life in rural NH. And have been eating cookies in my NH home for a lot longer than I've had access to the interwebs. Guess I need a schooling on what constitutes NH life.

I feel no urge to read a sports forum. If any folks on here are Jets fans, I'd prefer that to remain unsaid. :)

[corollaman]

This site is for forums about the lake and lakes region, not for politics talk. I go on here to escape the media and doom and gloom, and read about the lake, then I get on here, and find the same stuff on here that is what's on the news.
Thanks.

[webmaster]

I appear to be losing this war. The members who responded in this thread almost unanimously agreed that this forum should be "lake only" and yet the number of non-lake related posts keep rising. The "Laconia jobless/unemployed" and "Health Care in the Lakes Region" threads are just a few examples.

It seems like the members want the forum to be lake-only but just can't restrain themselves from posting about Obama, Health Care, Global Warming and other political issues. Maybe these issues are getting so large and important that they overwhelm the small local issues.

Without mass deletions I don't know how to stop this. I can't moderate everyone. I started this thread to propose an area where I could move these posts and members could post on these unrelated topics.

Considering this new wave of unrelated posts has anyone reconsidered their position? I'd still like to keep this forum "lake only" but, as I said, I seem to be losing the battle.

[BroadHopper]

A number of Forum members actually lives or vacation on other lakes in the Lakes Region so I think it should be open for Lakes Region topics. Folks that lives on the small lakes, i.e. Wicwas, Kanatsaka etc. are patrons of businesses located on lake Winnipesaukee. I think this will be good for the advertisers.

Outside topics that effect our daily lives should also be included, but should be moderated so that it doesn't get 'out of hand'. :rolleye1:

My thoughts.

BH

[Island Girl]

I can see where the titles of both mentioned threads could be relevant, but not when they turn to politics and bashing of politicians, government interference or non interference, etc.

I would want to ask where in the Lakes Region I could find a dentist or animal hospital, but not about how or who will pay for it.

If considering a move to the area I might want to ask about the employement atmosphere, but not get responses about the idiotic government (whichever party is in place at the moment).

I don't know how you can monitor this expect to close the thread if someone veers off topic.

For those of you who are going off topic, please realize the work you are making for our wonderful webmaster and take your discussions elsewhere.

Thanks Don... please don't open it up for all that other stuff.

IG

[Merrymeeting]

Don,

Just keep doing what you are doing. For the most part, it works, and you get help from others.

I'll confess to falling into the trap on one of the threads as the topic was one I have strong feelings about. One of our other long-term members reminded me and others that we were veering off-track. The advice was correct and I'm sad to say I needed the reminder.

I deleted my post and will learn to refrain from posting anytime I feel my blood pressure rise in a thread. That's a sure indicator that I'm off topic from why I come here, and to the lake, to begin with. ( A sure indicator for me that I'm suffering from Lake Fever! I need a lake fix bad but it will still be a few more weeks before we can open up)

As always, thanks for all you do. It works for most of us just as it is.

[Jonas Pilot]

Maybe we all need a "time out". Shut down the forum for a bit. Put up a message reminding us all of the intent of YOUR site and restate the rules and regulations. I'm sure there are many of us frustrated by some of the posters that believe this site is their pulpit to spout their political rhetoric.

[Chris Exley]

Don,

To make it easier on you, you could implement a couple of options:

1) Give people a 3 strikes and your out rule on the forums. If a person violates the rules of the forum as they are currently consituted, there is a penalty (suspension of account for 1 month, permanent ban, etc.). I don't think it would take long for people to get the message when people begin to be suspended (maybe display the suspended list).

2) Create an Un-Moderated forum to ease the burden on you having to moderate everything. Let people know when they go into that forum, that they do so at their own risk. Make sure they understand that if disagreements between users spill over to the Lake forum, they face the penalty descibed in #1

3) Keep things as they are, but enlist a couple of long time members who you trust to take some of the burden off of you in moderating.

4) I think there is a feature that users can identify on their own, posts that violate the policy. Then you can be notified when something has crossed the line. (I know they do this on the accu-weather forums).

5) Ignore me and keep things as they are.

Thanks for all you do, I don't post much, but I am here reading a lot. I would however love to see a forum for people of "Other Lakes" other than Winni.

Chris

[hazelnut]

Don,


2) Create an Un-Moderated forum to ease the burden on you having to moderate everything. Let people know when they go into that forum, that they do so at their own risk. Make sure they understand that if disagreements between users spill over to the Lake forum, they face the penalty descibed in #1


Chris

I like this idea. Instead of calling it un-moderated though refer to it as an "off topic" thread. Perhaps it would be an easy way to move all these random threads to their own little area. With a little restriction though as in it would have to at least pertain to New Hampshire and the Central part of the state or something?

[VtSteve]

I appear to be losing this war. The members who responded in this thread almost unanimously agreed that this forum should be "lake only" and yet the number of non-lake related posts keep rising. The "Laconia jobless/unemployed" and "Health Care in the Lakes Region" threads are just a few examples.

It seems like the members want the forum to be lake-only but just can't restrain themselves from posting about Obama, Health Care, Global Warming and other political issues. Maybe these issues are getting so large and important that they overwhelm the small local issues.



The thread Laconia Jobless/Unemployed, was started by a bomb-thrower. No hits on the first try, throw another bomb. It went downhill from there. So yes, I fully understand your frustration. I would have sent PM's to everyone indicating their tones were not acceptable, and recommend that they edit them (sooner than later). A far better policy than selective moderation, which can be addicting in the wrong hands. I was actually surprised that the thread wasn't intruded on by an adult.

You're not losing any battle Don, just a cyclical thing all sites go through. This is a very political year, and the economy is still not peaches and cream for most people. Foul language, outright hostile attacks and other such behavior is pretty well spelled out on most sites (not all), as taboo which will get you booted.

I think a well-rounded site always has topics that stray from the primary mission. If not for such topics, you'd be reduced to weather, ice outs, some restaurant reviews, direction, and sewing circles. Nothing wrong with that, but real life is quite a bit larger than that. This site has many, many different forum areas and topics. Some topics obviously can get out of hand and create extra work for you. On many sites, it's usually the ones that state they don't want to read the topics, that complain about the topics After reading them all :rolleye2:

I agree with most here, that you don't want a free for all discussion of the religion/politics threads that really cause problems. But if you want no dissension, you'd probably have to eliminate the restaurant threads first :emb:

One of the most successful methods of controlling contentious topics is to make those threads available to only paying members. AND continue a policy of moderation for offensive language, personal attacks, etc. I personally think that a politics thread is a bad idea, paid or not. It never ends, and never will accomplish anything positive. On the other hand, topics like health care and unemployment are a part of everyday life. It would be quite hard to describe the lake last summer without discussing the economy, unemployment, and other cyclical events around us all.

One of the hardest jobs of moderation is to know when to delete and close. I have always felt it should be rules-based, not personal opinion based. Sites that skew reality tend to end up with a homogenized sameness that clouds reality. I know a few sites where the discussions left on the entire site all read like a Ditto of whatever the site owner thinks. (he deletes the rest). So basically, you know what every post will read like.

There are lots of different people on this site, and the overwhelming majority are good, decent people. They also share opinions, and have differing points of view on a wide variety of topics.

[sa meredith]

I'd love a small area for sports discussion...but that's just a quick opinion. No biggie.
On another note, I was shocked and appalled to read that threads in this forum sometimes turn contenious, argumentative, and offensive.
What's next..personal attacks??!!
I had no idea.....

[webmaster]

A couple points:

First, this site has always been for the entire Lakes Region. I may refer to "lake issues" sometimes but the Rules and Guidelines (in the FAQ) refer to the "Lakes Region". The front page of the site says: "Welcome to The Lake Winnipesaukee Home Page, your online portal to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire". Feel free to discuss any lake or pond in the area.

Second, many of you may not realize that I operate this site in my limited spare time. Sometimes I can barely keep up with the email notifications I get from the site. Writing to everyone that makes an insensitive comment is not practical. The strongest hint I can give is moderation.

Going straight by the rules is difficult. Too many posts are in a grey area. That's why we need moderators to interpret the rules, even if they aren't perfect.

[BroadHopper]

Folks that you know on this site if they will help you moderate the site?

You really need to delegate some authority and not taking it all upon yourself. You don't need the stress! :rolleye2:

[brk-lnt]

I appear to be losing this war. The members who responded in this thread almost unanimously agreed that this forum should be "lake only" and yet the number of non-lake related posts keep rising. The "Laconia jobless/unemployed" and "Health Care in the Lakes Region" threads are just a few examples.

It seems like the members want the forum to be lake-only but just can't restrain themselves from posting about Obama, Health Care, Global Warming and other political issues. Maybe these issues are getting so large and important that they overwhelm the small local issues.

Without mass deletions I don't know how to stop this. I can't moderate everyone. I started this thread to propose an area where I could move these posts and members could post on these unrelated topics.

Considering this new wave of unrelated posts has anyone reconsidered their position? I'd still like to keep this forum "lake only" but, as I said, I seem to be losing the battle.

This is why I was a proponent of the "Groan" button. It allows people to register dissatisfaction, without having to contribute a personalized negative viewpoint. The theory would be that if people are posting off-topic stuff, and those posts accumulate a couple of dozen "Groans", maybe they would get the hint without a full-on debate breaking out.

I know that people want to keep the forum friendly, and felt that the Groan button was UNfriendly, but the reality is that any society needs a way to register their feedback. That is currently being done in a less than effective (and less than polite in some cases) manner anyway.

[Merrymeeting]

Those that want to comment on sports, politics, non-lake-related topics have PLENTY of other options. Almost every major newspaper (eg: The Boston Globe) provide room for comments on stories. Google, Yahoo, and others are full of groups where you can comment on any topic at all.

Don would still need to spend time moderating off-topic forums. Even if the rules were clear, he'd still want to watch for libel, personal attacks, inappropriate language / topics for a family site, etc. Not to mention the cost of hardware, storage, bandwidth, etc that is needed as a site grows. It's not worth the time, money, or hassle.

Don, again, there is a reason that this site has been so successful and people like spending their time "here", and you have a lot to do with that. Keep it as is.

[SteveA]

Those that want to comment on sports, politics, non-lake-related topics have PLENTY of other options. Almost every major newspaper (eg: The Boston Globe) provide room for comments on stories. Google, Yahoo, and others are full of groups where you can comment on any topic at all.

Avoiding, "The Devil made me do it" defense, I plead guilty to occasionally slipping into off topic discussions.

All of us that slip over the line know who we are, and know when we bend or break the forum rules.

Merrymeeting is exactly correct about all of the other places for non-Winni conversations. I'll take my thoughts and comments on banned subjects to a more suitable place.

Keep the Winni Forum for lake issues as laid out in the guidelines.

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”

Benjamin Franklin

[RLW]

Avoiding, "The Devil made me do it" defense, I plead guilty to occasionally slipping into off topic discussions.
All of us that slip over the line know who we are, and know when we bend or break the forum rules.
Merrymeeting is exactly correct about all of the other places for non-Winni conversations. I'll take my thoughts and comments on banned subjects to a more suitable place.
Keep the Winni Forum for lake issues as laid out in the guidelines.
"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”

Benjamin Franklin

http://i43.tinypic.com/b4vwqe.gifand a big http://i39.tinypic.com/o9n9f8.gif to you and Merrymeeting:)